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At our core, we exist to create a prosperous Saskatoon – one that has the best business climate in Canada. Here, we share Saskatoon’s leading news, tips, interviews and industry insight, as well as key Chamber activities and how you can get involved.

Chamber pleased to see government support for the air transport sector

The Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce is pleased to see the federal government’s announcement today regarding the relief that will be provided to the airport industry. In a letter of support written last week the Chamber highlighted the important work that Canada’s airports continue to do, along with public health officials, to facilitate the safe travel of our citizens while also maintaining the flow of essential cargo supplies in a time of tremendous need. The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport continues to act with a sense of duty to prioritize continuity as a critical community asset for essential travelers and the movement of goods such as supplies to the North, Air Ambulance and air cargo.

This pandemic has put an unprecedented strain on airport facilities and operating budgets. The Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport has experienced a 90% drop in passenger traffic causing a devastating impact to operating revenue.

We are pleased to see the timely response from the government and the waiving of ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government. We would also like to encourage the government to explore a long-term stimulus package for the sector’s recovery and airports role in stimulating the Saskatchewan and Saskatoon tourism sector as soon as public health officials determine it is safe to do so.